Linearity vs non-linearity in Machine Learning _
Linearity vs non-linearity in Machine Learning _
In machine learning, the concepts of linearity and non-linearity refer to the relationship
between the input features of a dataset and the target variable you’re trying to predict.
Here’s a breakdown to understand the difference:
Linearity:
Imagine a straight line. In a linear relationship, the change in the output variable is
directly proportional to the change in the input variable. This means if you increase the
input by a certain amount, the output will always increase or decrease by a constant
amount.
A classic example is the relationship between height and weight. On average, taller
people tend to weigh more. This can be modeled by a linear equation where the
weight increases steadily as the height increases.
Linear models are machine learning algorithms that assume a linear relationship
between the input features and the target variable. These models are relatively simple
to understand and interpret, but they can only capture linear patterns in the data.
Non-linearity:
The real world is often more complex than straight lines. In a non-linear relationship,
the change in the output variable is not constant with respect to the change in the
input variable. There might be curves, jumps, or other irregular patterns.
For instance, the relationship between studying hours and exam scores might not be
perfectly linear. Studying for more hours generally leads to better scores, but the
improvement might not be uniform. There could be diminishing returns after a certain
point, or plateaus where extra studying doesn’t significantly improve the score.
Non-linear models are machine learning algorithms that can capture these complex,
non-linear patterns in the data. They are often more powerful than linear models but
can also be more complex to understand and interpret.
Proportional to Input
Output Change Not proportional to Input Change
Change
The choice between a linear and non-linear model depends on the specific problem you’re
trying to solve and the characteristics of your data.
If you suspect a linear relationship exists between the features and the target variable,
a linear model might be a good starting point due to its simplicity.
If you suspect a more complex relationship or your data exhibits non-linear patterns, a
non-linear model might be necessary to achieve better accuracy.
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